Coordinate measuring apparatus

ABSTRACT

An improved coordinate measuring apparatus is provided. The coordinate measuring apparatus has a device that holds a CMM adapter plate in a way that simulates the locating points on the electromagnetic device in the CMM. Once in place, the threaded cube on the adapter plate is aligned to the CMM machine axes by holding a sliding V-block on the device against any corner of the cube. The screws that hold the threaded cube in the adapter plate are then tightened, and the adapter plate is released from the device. The threaded cube is now square to the CMM X-Y-Z axes.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. PCT Application No.PCT/US2009/030221 filed on Jan. 6, 2009 and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/019,466 filed on Jan. 7, 2008, which is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is for a manufacturing tool. Morespecifically, the field of the invention is for a manufacturing toolthat functions as an adaptable coordinate measuring device adapter.

BACKGROUND

Modern manufacturing quality control facilities use machines calledCoordinate Measuring Machines (a.k.a. CMMs). CMMs are used to accuratelymeasure 3-dimensional objects by lightly touching designated surfaceswith one or more styli. Each time a CMM stylus touches the object, acomputer attached to the CMM instantaneously records the position of thestylus to a high degree of precision. By collecting enough of thesepositions (“points”), an engineer can quickly and accurately determinethe object's conformance to specifications.

CMMs are computer-controlled. A CMM programmer enters a program into thecomputer that tells the machine where to touch the object. In the caseof large and/or complex objects (for example, an automobile engine), CMMprograms involve thousands of touches by dozens of different size styli.Often, several individual styli are grouped together as “clusters”.

About 20 years ago, CMM manufacturers developed automatic styluschanging devices. These allowed a CMM to run uninterrupted during alengthy program, automatically switching out styli as needed to measureall the features of a large object. Previously, the machine needed to bestopped and new styli loaded by hand. These stylus changing devices onCMMs are analogous to cutting tool changers on CNC (Computer NumericalControl) machine tools.

A significant difference between stylus changers and cutting toolchangers is that stylus changers must be repeatable with regards tostyli orientation relative to the CMM axes. Cutting tools, being round,are not affected by their radial orientation to the machine axes. CMMstyli clusters, on the other hand, do not rotate. They must always bepositioned in exactly the same way in the machine, or measurementresults are useless.

To repeatably and accurately orient the stylus cluster each time, CMMmanufacturers developed highly repeatable “adapter plates” to holdstylus clusters. These adapter plates employ a threaded cube from whichindividual styli protrude in various directions. This threaded cube canbe rotated axially with regards to the adapter plate, allowing the styliaccess to points at any angle. The adapter plate is fixed to the CMM bymeans of an electromagnet. By de-energizing the electromagnet, a plateis released into a rack. The machine then moves to another plate,re-energizes the electromagnet, which causes the plate to lock intoplace in the machine.

CMM operators often need the threaded cube on the adapter plate to beoriented exactly square to the CMMs axes of motion. By doing so, allstyli will, in turn, be aligned to the machine's X-Y-Z axes. Thisgreatly simplifies machine set-up and programming.

However, what is needed is an improved coordinate measuring apparatuswhich may be more precise and efficient to use than the prior artcoordinate measuring devices. Additionally, a need exists for a morecompact and simple coordinate measuring apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved coordinate measuringapparatus. Moreover, the present invention provides a device that holdsa CMM adaptor plate in a way that simulates the locating points on theelectromagnetic device in the CMM. Once in place, the threaded cube onthe adaptor plate may be aligned square to the machine axes by holding asliding “vee” on the device against any corner of the cube. The screwsthat hold the threaded cube in the adaptor plate are then tightened, andthe adaptor plate is released from the device. The threaded cube is nowsquare to the CMM X-Y-Z axes.

Among the many different possibilities contemplated, the apparatus mayallow for multiple configurations of the apparatus whereby the devicemay simulate the locating points in a CMM.

Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus may beconfigured such that the device may be hand held.

To this end, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, anapparatus for use with a coordinate measuring machine, the apparatuscomprising: an adapter plate with an upper surface and lower surfacewherein the adapter plate includes at least an alignment feature; a cubeconnected to the upper surface of the adapter plate wherein the cube isrotates relative to the adapter plate; and a securing mechanism forconnecting the cube to the adapter plate.

In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the at least an alignment featureincludes at least a slot on an upper surface of the adapter plate.

In an exemplary embodiment, further comprising: at least one port tosupport a stylus.

In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the adapter plate includes aplurality of slots on the upper surface of the adapter plate, where afirst slot is 90 degrees from a second slot.

In an exemplary embodiment, further comprising: the cube having athreaded member to couple to the adapter plate.

In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the securing mechanism is at leastone screw through the adapter plate, frictionally securing the cuberelative to the adapter plate.

In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the cube aligns square to a machineaxes by holding a sliding “V” against any corner of the cube.

In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the apparatus allows for properalignment in an X, Y, and Z axes, by aligning a sliding “V” against anycorner of the cube with the at least one slot on the adapter plate.

In a further exemplary embodiment an apparatus for aligning an adapterplate with an axis of a coordinate measuring machine, the apparatuscomprising: a frame; a v-block coupled to the frame; and a lockingmechanism on the frame that affixes the apparatus to the adapter plateduring alignment.

In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the v-block is slidably coupled tothe frame.

In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the v-block includes a shaped edgeto fit with the adapter plate.

In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the v-block is positioned relativeto the locking mechanism to properly align the adapter plate with theaxis of the coordinate measuring machine.

In an exemplary embodiment, configured to properly align the adapterplate with the axis of the coordinate measuring machine, wherein theadapter plate comprises: at least one slot on an upper surface of theadapter plate; a cube connected to the adapter plate; wherein the cubeis permitted to rotate relative to the adapter plate; and a securingmechanism that affixes the cube to the adapter plate and preventsfurther rotation of the cube relative to the adapter plate.

In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the locking mechanism of theapparatus is configured to secure to the slot on the adapter plate andthe v-block is configured to slide and abut a corner of the cube.

In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the locking mechanism is positionedrelative to the v-block, so that when the locking mechanism is securedto the adapter plate and the v-block abuts the corner of the cube, theadapter plate is properly aligned with the axis of the coordinatemeasuring machine.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a method to align an adapter platewith an axis of a coordinate measuring machine, wherein the adapterplate includes a cube coupled to the adapter plate that is permitted torotate relative to the adapter plate and a securing mechanism to preventthe cube from rotating relative to the adapter plate; comprising:permitting the cube to rotate relative to the adapter plate; aligningthe adapter plate with an alignment tool, wherein the alignment toolincludes a v-block slidably coupled to a frame and a locking mechanismcoupled to the frame; locking the adapter plate to the alignment tool;positioning the v-block of the alignment tool against a corner of thecube of the adapter plate; and securing the securing mechanism of theadapter plate to prevent the cube from rotating relative to the adapterplate.

In an exemplary embodiment, wherein aligning the adapter plate is byinserting the locking mechanism of the alignment tool into a slot on theadapter plate.

In an exemplary embodiment, wherein positioning the v-block against thecorner of the cube is by sliding the v-block against the cube whilepermitting the cube to rotate so that a corner of the cube is seatedinside an indention in the v-block.

In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the locking mechanism of thealignment tool is positioned relative to the v-block so that when thev-block is positioned against the corner of the cube, the adapter plateis properly aligned with the axis of the coordinate measuring machine.

In another exemplary embodiment, it is contemplated that the apparatusmay be inexpensive to produce and construct.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, it is contemplated that theapparatus may have a unique method to align the threaded cube to theadaptor plate.

Still a further exemplary embodiment contemplates where the apparatusmay have a threaded cube on the adaptor plate which aligns the square tothe machine axes by holding a sliding portion on the device against anycorner of the cube.

In a further exemplary embodiment, it is contemplated that the apparatusmay have at least a plurality of screws that hold the threaded device inthe adaptor plate.

A further exemplary embodiment contemplates that the apparatus may haveat least an adaptor plate and a threaded cube portion.

In another exemplary embodiment, it is contemplated that the apparatusmay be constructed of any suitable material such as metal, alloy and thelike.

Further, a contemplated embodiment of the apparatus may be constructedof a suitable material such as rubber, foam, composite, plastic and thelike whereby the device may be rigid enough to provide the function ofalignment.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theapparatus may have a plurality of screws that hold the threaded cube andthe adaptor plate which allows for release of the adaptor plate.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus may beprovided whereby the apparatus may allow for accurate orientation to anyangle about the apparatus.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with theaccompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1A is a top view of the device in an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 1B is a bottom view of the device in an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the alignment tool in an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a illustrative method of the adapter platein an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the adapter plate in an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is another perspective view of the adapter plate and thealignment tool in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the adapter plate and alignment tooladapted together in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the adapter plate and alignment tool inan exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3E is another perspective view of the adapter plate and alignmenttool in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3F is a bottom view of the adapter plate and alignment tool in anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a illustrative method of the adapter platein an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the adapter plate and alignment tool inan exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is another perspective view of the adapter plate and alignmenttool in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4C is another perspective view illustrating separation of thealignment tool from the adapter plate in an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of preferred embodiments, reference is madeto the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which itis shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which theinvention can be practiced. It is to be understood that otherembodiments can be used and structural changes can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the embodiments of this invention.

An improved coordinate measuring apparatus 1 is provided. The coordinatemeasuring apparatus 1 has a device that holds a coordinate measuringmachine (CMM) adapter plate 100 in a way that simulates the locatingpoints on the electromagnetic device in the CMM. Once in place, thethreaded cube 108 on the adapter plate 100 is aligned square to the CMMmachine axes by holding a sliding V-block on the device against anycorner of the cube. The screws that hold the threaded cube 108 in theadapter plate 100 are then tightened, and the adapter plate 100 isreleased from the device. The threaded cube 108 is now square to the CMMX-Y-Z axes.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary adapter plate 100 that may be used witha CMM to orient and support a stylus cluster (not shown), where Figure1A illustrates a top view and FIG. 1B illustrates the bottom view.Generally, the adapter plate 100 may support the stylus cluster and maycouple to the CMM by a cube attachment member. The cube 108 may becoupled to the CMM by an electromagnet. By energizing and de-energizingthe electromagnet, the adapter plate 100 may be secured to the CMM orremoved, to be replaced with another adapter plate 100 supporting adifferent stylus cluster.

Adapter plate 100 may support a single stylus or a styli cluster (notshown). For example, the adapter 100 may be generally cylindrical withan outer circumference 101, an upper surface 103 a, and a lower surface103 b. The adapter plate 100 may use ports 104 to support a singlestylus or a styli cluster (not shown). Ports 104 may be along the outercircumference 101 of the adapter plate 100. The adapter plate 100 mayinclude one or more ports 104 along the outer circumference 101. The oneor more ports 104 may be arranged symmetrically around the outercircumference 101, or may be at any non-symmetric desired spacing. Theone or more ports 104 may support a stylus in a radial direction mayscrewing in a head of the stylus into the port 104. Alternatively, thestylus, styli cluster or ports 104 may be configured to support thestylus or styli cluster in different orientations relative to theadapter plate surface. The adapter plate 100 may also support a stylusor styli cluster from a center bore 110.

The adapter plate 100 may be coupled to the CMM by an attachment member108. For example, the attachment member 108 may be a cube that couplesto an indented cube shape within the CMM that may be secured by anelectromagnet or other mechanical devices, such as a vice. The cube 108may rotate about a longitudinal axis of the adapter plate 100 to furtherorient the stylus or styli cluster relative to the CMM axis. Cube 108may include a threaded rod (not shown) that couples to the adapter plate100 at its center through a threaded bore 110. The screw-type couplebetween the cube 108 and adapter plate 100 permits the cube to rotaterelative to the adapter plate 100. Other coupling devices mayalternatively be used to permit the cube to rotate relative to theadapter plate 100. Adapter plate 100 may include a securing mechanismthat prevents further rotation of the cube 108 relative to the adapterplate 100. For example, screws 112 may be used to secure the orientationof the cube 108, and prevent further rotation.

The adapter plate 100 may include alignment features to use with thealignment tool 200 to orient the adapter plate and cube for properalignment with the CMM axis. For example, the adapter plate 100 mayinclude slots 114 along the outer circumference 101, along a an uppersurface 103 a. Slots 114 may be used with the alignment tool (see FIG.2). In one embodiment, adapter plate 100 includes three slots 114, wherethe first and second slots are aligned across from each other, 180degrees apart, and the third slot is in the middle, oriented 90 degreesfrom the first and second slots. The slots 114 are such to indicate theaxis of the CMM. In an alternate embodiment, additional or fewer slotsmay be added to orient the adapter plate 100 at different anglesrelative to the CMM axis. For example, a fourth slot may be included 30degrees from the first slot. This fourth slot may be used with thealignment tool to orient the adapter plate 30 degrees from the CMM axis.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary alignment tool 200 to orient the adapterplate 100 with the CMM axis. Generally, the alignment tool 200 uses av-block and locking mechanism to align the cube of the adapter plate100. The v-block may be configured to correspond to any corner of thecube, while the locking mechanism may be used to interact with any ofthe slots on the adapter plate 100. Therefore, a user may choose adesired slot to orient the cube. During operation, the cube may bepermitted to rotate relative to the adapter plate 100. The cube may thenbe aligned with the v-block, while the locking mechanism may be alignedwith the desired slot on the adapter plate 100. The cube may then besecured to the adapter plate 100 to prevent further rotation. Thealignment tool 200 may then be removed at which point the adapter plate100 may be ready for to install in the CMM.

In one embodiment, the alignment tool 200 may include a frame 202 tointeract with the adapter plate 100. The frame 202 may support lockingmechanism to align with a slot 114 on the adapter plate 100. Forexample, a locking pin 206 may be used to secure the frame 202 to theadapter plate 100 during alignment. The locking pin 206 may be securedto the frame 202, but may move along its longitudinal axis. Therefore,the locking pin 206 may be pulled away from the surface of the frame 202to disengage a slot 114 on the adapter plate 100, while the locking pin206 may be pushed towards the surface of the frame 202 to engage a slot114 on the adapter plate 100. The locking pin 206 may be biased, such asby a spring, into a locked position. Therefore, a user would merely haveto engage the locking pin 206 for the desired action, such as releasingthe locking pin 206 to engage or release the adapter plate 100.

The frame 202 may be designed to further secure an attachment to theadapter plate 100. For example, an inside perimeter 201 of frame 202 maybe generally shaped to correspond to the outer circumference of theadapter plate 100. For example, as seen in FIG. 1, the outercircumference of the adapter plate 100 may be generally cylindrical;therefore, the inside perimeter 201 of the frame 202 may also begenerally cylindrical. The inside perimeter 201 may also include aflange 208.

The alignment tool 200 may additionally include a v-block 204 tointeract with the cube 108 of the adapter plate 100. The v-block 204 mayinclude an inner edge 203 that is generally shaped 210 to correspond toa corner of the cube 108. For example, the inner edge 203 may be shaped210 as a 90 degree triangle projecting into the v-block to correspond tothe 90 degree corner of the cube 108. The vertex 212 of the triangle maybe curved or include a partial circle to reduce stress at this point.

In one embodiment, the v-block 204 may slide with respect to the frame202. The v-block 204 may slide, for example, in a generally radialdirection from the inside perimeter 201 of frame 202, arrow 205. Thev-block 204 may be coupled to the frame 202 in any manner that maypermit it to slide relative to the frame 202. For example, the frame 202or v-block 204 may include a projection, while the other includes amortise to permit one to slide on the other. The ends of the projectionor mortise may be shaped to prevent one from disengaging the other. Thecouple between the v-block 204 and frame 202 may also be spring loadedto bias the position of the v-block 204 relative to the frame 202. Forexample, the v-block 204 may be biased towards the inside of the insideperimeter 201 of frame 202, thereby pressing against the cube 108 whenthe adapter plate 100 is positioned in the alignment tool 200.

In an exemplary embodiment, the alignment tool 200 may be a hand helddevice. However, it should be contemplated that in an exemplaryembodiment, the alignment tool 200 may be small enough to use manuallyto align the adapter plate 100 without the assistance of other supportdevices or heavy machinery. In an exemplary embodiment, it iscontemplated that the alignment tool 200 may be under 10 inches, andpreferably under 5 inches. An advantage to its relatively small andsimple size is that the alignment tool 200 may be mechanically simplefor low maintenance and easy manufacturing. Further the alignment tool200 may be easily replaced by other alignment tools 200 without complexconfiguration of heavy machinery and the like. The alignment tool 200may employ few moving parts, but may include at least a locking pin 206and permit the relative motion between the v-block 204 and the frame202. However, the alignment tool 200 may be easy to manipulate toquickly and properly align to the adapter plate 100.

FIG. 3 illustrates a representative method of utilizing the alignmenttool 200 with an adapter plate 100, along with the associatedprogression of representative acts for a particular embodiment of analignment tool 200 and adapter plate 100 which are illustrated in FIGS.3A-3F. Generally, while the cube 108 is permitted to rotate relative tothe adapter plate 100, the alignment tool 200 is used to properlyposition the cube 108 relative to the adapter plate 100; then the cube108 is secured to the adapter plate 100 to prevent further rotation, atwhich point the alignment tool 200 may be removed from its associationto the adapter plate 100. In an exemplary embodiment, it is contemplatedthat the alignment tool 200 positions the adapter plate 100 using theslots 114 on the adapter plate 100 and corresponding pin 206 on thealignment tool 200, while properly positioning the cube 108 using thev-block 204 portion of the alignment tool 200.

Further, FIGS. 3A-3F represents a block diagram of a illustrative methodof using the alignment tool 200. The following method is described interms of an exemplary embodiment for the adapter plate 100 and alignmenttool 200. A person of skill in the art can should contemplated that thesteps may be combined, skipped, or performed out of order, all of whichare considered within the scope of the invention. The method may also bemodified to accommodate different embodiments of the adapter plate 100or alignment tool 200 without deviating from the scope of the invention.First, step 300, the cube 108 is permitted to move relative to theadapter plate 100. Step 301 illustrates that the adapter plate 100 maybe aligned to the alignment tool 200. Step 302 is optional and dependson the chosen adapter plate 100 and alignment tool 200 embodiments, butthe adapter plate 100 may be engaged with the alignment tool 200 to keepproper alignment between the adapter plate 100 and the alignment tool299. In step 304, the cube 108 may be aligned with the alignment tool200 relative to the already aligned adapter plate 100. Step 305 isoptional and depends on the chosen adapter plate 100 and alignment tool200 embodiments, but the cube 108 may be secured to the alignment tool200 to keep proper alignment between the cube 108 and the alignment tool200. Finally, in step 306, the cube 108 may be secured relative to theadapter plate 100. The alignment tool 200 may then be removed (see FIG.4) and the adapter plate 100 is properly aligned with the CMM coordinateaxis and ready for use.

First, in step 300, referring to FIG. 3A, the cube 108 (see FIG. 3B,314) may be permitted to rotate relative to the adapter plate 100. Inone embodiment, screws 112 may be used to secure the relative positionof the cube 108 to the adapter plate 100. For example, screws 112 may bethrough a lower surface 103 b of the adapter plate 100 and frictionallyengage a lower surface (not shown) of cube 108 to prevent rotation.Therefore, the screws 112 on the lower surface 103 b of the adapterplate 100 may be loosened to permit the cube 108 to rotate. Othersecuring devices may alternatively be used, such as locking pins,detent, friction, adhesive, etc. The appropriate loosening to permitrelative rotation will depend on the embodiment of the adapter plate100.

Referring to step 301 as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the adapter plate 100may be aligned to the alignment tool 200. In one embodiment, the adapterplate 100 may include slots 114, and the alignment tool 200 may includepin 206. Slots 114 may be on an upper surface 103 a of the adapter plate100 along a circumferential edge. The adapter plate 100 may include morethan one slot 114 positioned around the circumferential edge at desiredalignments relative to the CMM orientation axis. The pin 206 may be alocking pin or other securing mechanism to align with the slots 114 onthe adapter plate 100 and may be able to secure the adapter platerelative to the alignment tool. Therefore, the desired slot 114 of theadapter plate 100 may be aligned with the pin 206 in the alignment tool200.

Step 302, FIG. 3C, is optional and depends on the chosen adapter plate100 and alignment tool 200 embodiments, but the adapter plate 100 may beengaged with the alignment tool 200 to keep proper alignment between theadapter plate and the alignment tool. For the embodiment shown, the pin206 may be a locking pin that is engaged by pushing in toward the frame202 or released by pulling the pin away from the frame. Therefore, auser may push down on the pin 206 to engage the locking pin and securethe adapter plate 100 in proper alignment with the frame 202 of thealignment tool 200. The cube 108 may still be permitted to rotaterelative to the adapter plate 100.

Then, Step 304, referring to FIG. 3D, the cube 108 may be aligned withthe alignment tool 200 relative to the already aligned adapter plate100. The cube 108 is permitted to rotate relative to the adapter plate100. In one embodiment, the alignment tool 200 may include a v-block 204to align a corner 328 of cube 108 within a seat 330 on the v-block. Theseat 330 may be a generally indented V-shape (or triangular as describedabove), to properly position the cube 108. In one embodiment, thev-block 204 may be permitted to slide relative to the frame 202. Toalign the cube, the v-block 204 may be slid against a corner of the cube108, and the cube 108 is permitted to rotate to properly set within theseat 330 of the v-block. The v-block 204 may also be biased in an inwardor outward position. For example, the v-block 204 may be biased radiallyaway from the cube 108 to prevent interference during the previousalignment steps of the frame 202 with the adapter plate 100. Therefore,now, the v-block 204 may be slid towards the cube 108 to properly alignthe cube. Alternatively, the v-block 204 may be biased towards the cube108, and may be slid and held away from the cube during alignment of theframe 202 with the adapter plate 100 in the previous steps. Now, thev-block 204 would be released to permit it to slide under its own biastowards the cube.

Step 305, referring to FIG. 3E, which may be optional and ultimatelydepends on the chosen adapter plate 100 and alignment tool 200embodiments. However, the cube 108 may be secured to the alignment toolto keep proper alignment between the cube and the alignment tool. In oneembodiment, the v-block 204 may be pushed and held against the cube 108(arrow 205). Alternatively, if the v-block 204 is biased towards thecube 108, then no pressure needs to be added to secure the v-blockagainst the cube. In another embodiment, the v-block 204 may include alock to secure the v-block against the cube 108. The lock (not shown)may be any mechanism to secure the v-block 204 relative to the frame 202and against the cube 108. For example, the v-block or frame may includea detent to frictionally hold the v-block in position towards the cube.

Step 306, referring to FIG. 3F, whereby the cube 108 may be securedrelative to the adapter plate 100. In an exemplary embodiment, thescrews 112 loosened in step 300 which is illustrated in FIG. 3A, may betightened to secure the cube 108 and prevent further rotation relativeto adapter plate 100. The adapter plate 100 with alignment tool 200 maybe turned over to expose the lower surface 103 a and screws 112. Othersecuring devices may alternatively be used, such as locking pins,detent, friction, adhesive, etc. The appropriate tightening to preventrelative rotation will depend on the embodiment of the adapter plate.The alignment tool may then be removed from the adapter plate, and theadapter plate prepared for use in the CMM.

FIG. 4 represents a block diagram of an illustrative method of removingthe alignment tool from the adapter plate. FIGS. 4A-4C illustratephysical representations of each step for an exemplary embodiment.First, step 400 the v-block may be removed from the cube. Then step 401,optionally, depending on the embodiment, the alignment tool may bereleased from the adapter plate. Finally, step 402 the adapter plate maybe removed from the alignment tool. The adapter plate is then properlyaligned with the CMM coordinate axis. The adapter plate may then befurther prepared for use by attaching the desired stylus or stylicluster and attached to the CMM for use.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first step 400 may be optional dependingon the exemplary embodiment, whereby the v-block 204 may be removed fromthe cube 108. In an exemplary embodiment, the v-block 204 may be slidaway from the cube 108. In another embodiment, the v-block 204 may bebiased away from the cube 108; therefore, the v-block is simply releasedto permit it to slide away from the cube. If other securing mechanismsare embodied to secure the v-block against the cube, these mechanism maybe released.

Following first step 400, step 401 may be optionally implemented,depending on the embodiment whereby the alignment tool 200 may bereleased from the adapter plate 100. For example, in an exemplaryembodiment, the securing mechanism of the alignment tool 200 may bereleased. In one embodiment, the pin 206 is released by pulling up awayfrom the alignment tool, thereby releasing the adapter plate 100 fromthe alignment tool 200.

Finally, step 402 illustrates the adapter plate 100 which may be removedfrom the alignment tool 200. Once all securing mechanisms are released,the adapter plate 100 may be slid away of the alignment tool 200. Thealignment tool 200 has squared (spending on the chosen alignment) theadapter plate cube 108 to the CMM coordinate axis. The alignment isfast, accurate, and easy to use. The alignment tool 200 and adapterplate 100 may be handheld to permit easy user alignment without the needof other tools or machines.

The alignment tool 200 may be made of various materials to permit easymanipulation, while maintaining a robust part. For example, thealignment tool 200 may be metal, or a metal alloy, including aluminum,steel, or may be a plastic, rubber, or synthetic material, orcombinations of any of the above.

Although embodiments of this invention have been fully described withreference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that variouschanges and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in theart. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as beingincluded within the scope of embodiments of this invention as defined bythe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for aligning an adapter plate withan axis of a coordinate measuring machine, the apparatus comprising: aframe; a v-block coupled to the frame; and a locking mechanism on theframe that affixes the apparatus to the adapter plate during alignment.2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the v-block is slidably coupled tothe frame.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the v-block includes ashaped edge to fit with the adapter plate.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the v-block is positioned relative to the locking mechanism toproperly align the adapter plate with the axis of the coordinatemeasuring machine
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, configured to properlyalign the adapter plate with the axis of the coordinate measuringmachine, wherein the adapter plate comprises: at least one slot on anupper surface of the adapter plate; a cube connected to the adapterplate; wherein the cube is permitted to rotate relative to the adapterplate; and a securing mechanism that affixes the cube to the adapterplate and prevents further rotation of the cube relative to the adapterplate.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism of theapparatus is configured to secure to the slot on the adapter plate andthe v-block is configured to slide and abut a corner of the cube.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein the locking mechanism is positionedrelative to the v-block, so that when the locking mechanism is securedto the adapter plate and the v-block abuts the corner of the cube, theadapter plate is properly aligned with the axis of the coordinatemeasuring machine.
 8. A method to align an adapter plate with an axis ofa coordinate measuring machine, wherein the adapter plate includes acube coupled to the adapter plate that is permitted to rotate relativeto the adapter plate and a securing mechanism to prevent the cube fromrotating relative to the adapter plate; comprising: permitting the cubeto rotate relative to the adapter plate; aligning the adapter plate withan alignment tool, wherein the alignment tool includes a v-blockslidably coupled to a frame and a locking mechanism coupled to theframe; locking the adapter plate to the alignment tool; positioning thev-block of the alignment tool against a corner of the cube of theadapter plate; and securing the securing mechanism of the adapter plateto prevent the cube from rotating relative to the adapter plate.
 9. Themethod of claim 8, wherein aligning the adapter plate is by insertingthe locking mechanism of the alignment tool into a slot on the adapterplate.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein positioning the v-blockagainst the corner of the cube is by sliding the v-block against thecube while permitting the cube to rotate so that a corner of the cube isseated inside an indention in the v-block.
 11. The method of claim 10,wherein the locking mechanism of the alignment tool is positionedrelative to the v-block so that when the v-block is positioned againstthe corner of the cube, the adapter plate is properly aligned with theaxis of the coordinate measuring machine.